Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has firmly rejected calls for the disarmament of the group before the cessation of what he termed as Israeli aggression against Lebanon. In a televised address broadcast by Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV channel, Qassem emphasized the group's stance against surrendering its arms while Israeli occupation persists.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of addressing Israeli occupation before discussing Hezbollah's disarmament. Qassem stated that it is unreasonable to demand that the resistance give up its weapons without first addressing the ongoing aggression. He declared, "Whoever accepts surrender must bear the consequences of that decision, but we will never accept it."

Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's commitment to defending Lebanon, asserting, "Defending the homeland does not require anyone's permission, and when a serious and effective alternative for defense is proposed, we are ready to discuss all the details."

Meanwhile, Lebanon is preparing a draft response to a proposal by US presidential envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, which he presented to Lebanese officials during his visit to Beirut on June 19. The proposal includes points on the monopoly of weapons by the Lebanese state, financial and economic reforms, and measures to enhance border security and prevent smuggling.

Since the end of the recent war between Israel and Lebanon in November, backed by the US, Washington has intensified its pressure on Hezbollah to disarm. However, the group remains adamant about retaining its arms as long as Israeli forces continue their occupation.

Despite a truce agreement intended to end cross-border warfare, Israeli forces have been conducting near-daily operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's activities. Lebanese authorities report nearly 3,000 violations of the ceasefire, resulting in over 225 deaths and more than 500 injuries.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Tel Aviv's refusal to comply. Israel maintains a military presence at five border outposts, further complicating peace efforts in the region.